Pityriasis gymnocephala
The Bornean Bristlehead, Pityriasis gymnocephala, is a striking and enigmatic passerine endemic to the island of Borneo, often considered one of the most distinctive birds in its range. Averaging 25 cm (10 inches) in length, this stocky bird is easily identified by its glossy black plumage contrasting sharply with a remarkable, featherless (or sparsely bristled) orange-red head. The crown and nape are adorned with short, stiff, yellow-tipped black bristles, giving the species its evocative co...
Primarily inhabits lowland and submontane primary rainforests, often found near rivers or swampy areas, up to elevations of 1,200 meters.
Feeds primarily on arthropods, including various insects, spiders, and larvae, occasionally supplementing their diet with small fruits.
Bornean Bristleheads are diurnal and typically observed in small, noisy flocks of 6-10 individuals, occasionally larger, often associating with mixed-species foraging flocks high in the canopy. They are active and agile gleaners, methodically searching for insects and larvae among leaves, branche...
The Bornean Bristlehead is strictly endemic to the island of Borneo, distributed across the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, the Sultanate of Brunei, and the Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan. Its distribution is somewhat patchy and localized, primarily occurring in intact lowland and hill...
Near Threatened
- The Bornean Bristlehead is the sole member of its own avian family, Pityriaseidae, highlighting its extraordinary evolutionary uniqueness. - Its bare, orange-red head is covered in short, stiff, yellow-tipped black bristles, which inspired its common name. - This species is a true endemic, foun...